Teaching the Word

This little guy has a mind for scripture like non I have ever seen so young.  By his 4th birthday he had about 6-8 scriptures memorized. He just has a mind for memorization and we found something that works for us to take full advantage of hiding the word in his heart now.

It all started with one little card and one little question.  

"Mommy, will you read this to me?"

Ethan means strong. (I could go on about that forever).

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

This little bookmark held it's place in Ethan's devotion and when he recognized it said his name he wanted to know what else it said.  After about a week he started saying aloud with us every night before bed.  Soon, we could ask him, "Hey Ethan!  What does Joshua 1:9 say?" and he could tell us.

*Light bulb*

We started slowly adding versed to his night time routine and when he got one memorized we would add another.  Now that he knows so many, we just choose a few randomly that he knows and have him tell them to us.  

He is learning God's word and we are not only helping him memorize it, but my memorization and recall of scripture has greatly increased as well.  Not only that, but his understanding of the scriptures and the importance of knowing the Word melts my heart.  He begged his Nana to buy him that little cross at the bookstore because he said it "remembered him of Jesus and how he died for us".

So, if you are curious what scriptures our little guy has learned, I have decided to list them below.  Not for bragging rights, but maybe to give some one reading this encouragement to start teaching their little ones the Word as well.

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Trust in the Lord with all your heart.  Lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

Psalms 3:5-6

Be on the alert.  Stand firm in the faith.  Be courageous.  Be strong.  Do everything in love.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

For God so loved the world He sent His only son so that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

John 3:16-17

Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is the first commandment with a promise; that it may go well with you and you may live a long life in the land.

Ephesians 6:1-3

Ask and you shall receive and your joy will be the fullest joy.

John 16:24

Thank the Lord for He is good.  His love endures forever.

1 Chronicles 16:34

Do not envy wicked men.  Do not desire their company.  For their hearts plot violence and their lips talk about making trouble.

Proverbs 24:1-2

The Lord is my strength and shield;

I trust him and he helps me.  

I am very happy, 

I praise him with my song.

Psalm 28:7

Give your worries to the Lord and He will take care of you.

Psalm 55:22

No temptation has seized you except that which is common to man.  God is faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bare.

1 Corinthians 10:13

For I know the thoughts I think toward you says the Lord.  Thoughts of peace and not of evil to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Where there is no vision, the people perish.

Proverbs 29:18

And what does the Lord require of you?  To ask justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Whatever you do in word or deed do for the glory of God.

Colossians 3:17

And of course, Joshua 1:9

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Linking to Word Filled Wednesday, Scripture and a Snapshot, & Works for Me Wednesday.